After missing considerable time this camp with lower back issues, veteran right guard Jahri Evans has been a big impact since returning to the practice field Sunday.

Evans is back working with the first team unit and setting an example for the young players to follow.

"He's in his ninth year, he's an outstanding player," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "He leads in quiet way but he certainly has the respect of his teammates. A player like that is very important to what we are doing, very important to the development of young players.

"We always talk about who they get in line behind. I think it is important for the younger rookies, the first-year players to not only see what a player is doing but the work ethic and preparation -- all those things."

Second-year guard Marcel Jones had filled in Evans' spot place the first two preseason games.